President Obama, Get Real to Get Re-elected

Both Obama and Romney lack person-to-person skills. Romney often comes across as an insensitive, super-rich snob who can't conceive of what it's like to be a middle-class American. To my mind, based on reading about his life and actions, this impression seems accurate. I just don't think there's much "there" there.

In contrast, Obama is an introvert, which is not normally a pejorative term and doesn't suggest that he lacks depth. Unfortunately, however, the actions arising from this aspect of his personality often come across as aloof, elitist, and academic, masking what I believe is a far more compassionate and responsive persona than we are permitted to see. Too bad he hasn't had the experience among everyday Americans that Franklin Roosevelt, a born elitist, had that humanized him and enabled him to speak to all Americans with believable and welcome concern.

After President Roosevelt's death, a taxi driver said to Mrs. Roosevelt, "I never knew Franklin Roosevelt, but he knew me." Perhaps the most courageous move Obama could make now would be to open himself more to the American people. At this point, his confidence in himself should be strong, as was Roosevelt's, so that showing more of his true self ought not to be uncomfortable -- and could pay huge returns.

I'm concerned that Obama's campaign heads may not sufficiently realize that, if Obama is to win a second term, THIS campaign must be very different from 2008, now that our formerly soaring expectations for his performance have been tempered by actualities. After 3-1/2 years of achievements and mistakes, it turns out he's human, after all; now, to win a second term, he MUST communicate that to the rest of us.

TAGS:

GROUPS:

What do you think of this story?

Select one of the options below. Your feedback will help tell CNN producers what to do with this iReport. If you'd like, you can explain your choice in the comments below.

For our international users, please be aware that the information you submit when registering for our services is collected in the United States of America. In addition to being subject to our Privacy Policy, the collection, storage, and use of your data will be subject to U.S. laws and regulations, which may be different from the laws and regulations of your home country. By registering for this service, you are consenting to this collection, storage, and use.

Create your screen name

Please create a screen name. This screen name will be associated with your
iReport stories and comments on this site.
It cannot be changed once you make a selection.